February 18 – Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, one of the best strikers in the women’s game, raised a gloved fist in a Black Power salute after scoring on her first start for Manchester City since pulling out of the team because of racist abuse.
The Jamaica international performed the salute during City’s 4-0 win over Liverpool in the Women’s Super League on Sunday, when she scored twice.
“It’s powerful, obviously” City manager Gareth Taylor said. “Bunny’s a proud Black woman and where she’s come from means a lot to her.”
Shaw was targeted by online abuse after a league game against Arsenal on 2 February and withdrew from the League Cup semifinal against the same opponent four days later.
She returned as a substitute for an FA Cup match on 9 February, but Sunday’s game against Liverpool marked her return to the starting lineup.
The original Black Power salute was a gesture made famous by US sprint stars John Carlos and Tommie Smith on the victory stand at the Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968 to protest racial injustice.
Shaw declined to address her stance directly when speaking to Sky after the game, simply saying it was “good to get back on the scoresheet after a difficult couple of days”.
Contact the writer of this story Andrew Warshaw at moc.l1740216284labto1740216284ofdlr1740216284owedi1740216284sni@w1740216284ahsra1740216284w.wer1740216284dna1740216284